Place the furnace and water heater on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12” above the projected flood elevation

Keep an inventory of all valuables. Include their age and value. If possible, keep the original purchase receipts for verification.

Safeguard Your Possessions

Make sure any photos or videos of all your important possessions are in a safe place. These documents will help you file a full flood insurance claim.

Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects (such as photographs) where they won’t get damaged

If major flooding is expected, move furniture and valuables to the upper levels of your home and move your vehicles to high ground

Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone. Teach children to dial 911.

Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family

Ask an out-of-city or state relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.

Water covered roads

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.

The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded.

The reason that so many people drown during flooding is because few of them realize the incredible power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs.

If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited. Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road,

Storm Drain Inlets

Teach your children to never play in or near storm pipes, inlets, creeks and ditches. Sudden heavy rainfall can send torrents of fast-moving water into these structures. The suction and force that is sometimes created could be extremely dangerous to anyone caught in the powerful current.

If you observe a pipe or inlet that is clogged with debris, please do NOT attempt to clear the obstruction yourself, especially during rain. The sudden suction caused by the release of the clog could cause you to be swept into the intake in the strong current. Call 352-4900 any time for assistance. You can also report clogged or damaged inlets by email.

Please do not use storm pipes and inlets to dispose of garbage, yard wastes, or anything that could block the entrance of storm water. It is very important to keep these pipes open and clear so they can do what they were designed to do – protect you and your property.

What To Do After a Flood

If your home has suffered damage, call the agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. If you are unable to stay in your home, let the agent know where you can be reached.

Check for structural damage before reentering your home. You want to make sure your home is safe.

Take photos of any water in the house and save damaged personal property.

This will make filing a claim easier

If necessary, place these items outside the home

An insurance adjuster will need to see what has been damaged in order to process your claim

Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible

Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately

Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding, and any other items holding moisture or water inside the building can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours

Items should be cleaned with a phenolic or pine-oil cleaner and bleach solution, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth or odors

If any mold develops, throw the items away

Do not use matches, cigarette lighters or other open flames upon reentering your property

Gas may be trapped inside

If you smell gas or hear a hissing, open a window, leave quickly and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home

Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety

Avoid using toilets and the tap until you have checked for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect damage, call a plumber.

Throw away any food including canned goods that have come in contact with floodwaters

Boil water for drinking and food preparation until local authorities declare your water supply to be safe